Going from service provider to receiving services.

As an entrepreneur you learn early on that not every person is your client. Some may not be able to afford your services, some may not see the value in what you have to offer. You learn to qualify clients before you move on to the final sales stage.

When a potential service provider sends you a proposal to work with them, do you jump at it? You need to go through the same qualification process that you would do if the roles were reversed.

Ask yourself some of the following questions:

-Can I afford this service? Yes you want to stretch yourself some, but not to the point that you are in over your head.

-What am I getting for my money? Have them clearly spell out all the items/ services you will be receiving. If you are unsure, be sure and ask for clarification. Be sure and ask for a timeline of when the services will be rendered. Just as you would give your potential client a timeline, ask for one.

-How do you feel about this provider, do you get a positive feeling, or are you feeling pressured to sign? Remember your intuition is powerful. If you are having doubts walk away.

-What is your ROI, Return On Investment? If you are paying $10,000 to only make $3,000 is this a good investment for you. Now perhaps the return will take a few months or years. Only you can decide if this is a good investment for you. Step back and look at it clearly, what would you advice a potential client to do?

If you decide to start working with a provider and are not receiving what you were promised, you can walk away. Now be careful, any money paid may not be refundable, check your contract, or their website to see what their cancellation policy is. Once you have canceled, take the time to let them know why you are leaving. No need to be nasty about it, but just as you would want your potential client to tell you why it didn’t work, share this information with the service provider. They can not fix errors if they do not know about them.

Remember you are now on the other side receiving services. How do you treat your clients, or want to be treated by them is the way you should treat the provider. If you receive great service, be sure and let them know, tell a few other people. Offer to write a testimonial for them. If you receive bad service, do not be passive aggressive about it. Yes its tempting to go to your social media and hint around about your disappointment, but what will this solve? This will only hurt your reputation in the long run. If someone asks you what is going on, its up to you if you want to speak about their work, but don’t speak maliciously.

In the end treat this new relationship just as you would treat a perspective client. Qualify the service provider to see if you two are a good fit, get it in writing what you will receive and never bash them if it goes wrong.